Worried landlord’s moor blaze fear

Landlord of the Rams Head Inn, Denshaw Geoff Haigh with part of the burnt moor above his pub

A PUB landlord has described how moorland fires ripped through thousands of acres of heather and bracken only 250 yards from his boozer.

Geoff Haigh (56), who runs the landmark Rams Head on Ripponden Road, Denshaw, said a long line of flames covered hills as acrid smoke billowed over the road linking to M62 motorway at junction 22.

Mr Haigh, who has been at the pub for 28 years, said: “I was really worried. Flames were moving quickly and although they were keeping close to the moor, they could have easily presented us with a problem.

“I have some horses stabled at the pub and I was getting ready to move them as a precaution if the flames had come much closer.”

Walkers were warned to take extra care on the moorland as Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spent part of the weekend damping down — which left a charred vista over four square miles.

The cause has not been determined, but a spokesman from the Fire Service said the slightest spark could cause devastation.

“The heather dries out very quickly by strong winds,” he said.

“Consequently, even though the temperature may have dropped, the moorland itself can remain vulnerable to the danger from fire.

“People should take extra care particularly as we are moving into spring when moorland fires, whipped by winds, can become more prevalent.”

Pumps from Oldham were at the site near the Rams Head, early on Saturday morning to inspect the area.

Mr Haigh added: “I am glad we didn’t have any problems yesterday as we had a full house for Mother’s Day celebration meals.”